Rebirth of Hong Kong Island, leading the technology war

Chapter 523 Hu Jiangshan Forced to Take the Lead

Day 2. The entrepreneurs' activities officially began.
The event organizers have arranged a series of itineraries, such as the first stop, which was to take everyone by bus to visit a corporate park.

As is well known, Singapore is a very small and compact country, where land is extremely valuable, and it may not even be as large as a medium-sized city in mainland China.

From south to north, from east to west, it wouldn't take long to walk the entire route.

Therefore, building a business park in a country like this is really not easy.

However, in recent years, Singapore has been continuously reclaiming land from the sea, so the usable area has increased.

This industrial park is located on a newly reclaimed piece of land. It is not small and has twenty or thirty office buildings and factories.

The location is good, right next to the Strait of Malacca and very close to the port. Of course, a place like Singapore can't be far away no matter what.

Setting up a company here is convenient on the one hand, but very costly on the other. Unless you have a lot of money, strength, and high profits, you can't get in.

Companies that can move into such parks are generally technology-based, such as those in the internet, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and high-tech materials industries.

What's amazing is that this wasn't Hu Jiangshan's first time here. He had been here in his previous life, when he came as a leading figure in the scientific community to conduct research and exchange ideas with some local entrepreneurs.

Hu Jiangshan still fondly remembers that time, when he was basically revered, surrounded by admirers, and treated like a star. Many people even rushed to take photos and get autographs from him, treating him like a celebrity.

After the visit, the group went to a meeting room in the park to have a brief exchange with local entrepreneurs and executives.

It is worth mentioning that Ding Qiuyang, whom I met yesterday, was not present on the Singaporean side during this exchange. It is said that he will appear at several other exchange events.

A perceptive person would notice that Singaporean entrepreneurs or executives seem to have a sense of superiority, and when they speak on stage, they often show some contempt or rudeness towards people from Hong Kong.

What's even more amazing is that Hu Jiangshan knew some of these people in his previous life and had some interactions with them.

At that time, they dared not show any sense of superiority. After all, China was already a very powerful country. In terms of scientific and technological strength, economic strength, and military strength, it was almost able to dominate. No country would underestimate the top scientists of such a powerful country.

Hu Jiangshan wasn't interested in the attitudes of these Singaporeans. He was just there to observe, so he would stay silent, eat, drink, and have fun.

Fortunately, the exchange activity was not long, lasting only a little over an hour. It was noon, and the organizers had already arranged a banquet at a restaurant near the park.

The group entered the banquet hall, which was simply and comfortably decorated.

Feng Hua said to Hu Dongshan, "Young Master Hu, these guys are probably going to get together and chat about this and that again. It's pretty boring."

Hu Jiangshan said, "Why don't we find a place to hide? We're just small fry, let the big shots do the talking, we can just eat, drink and have fun."

"That's right, that's a good arrangement. Young Master Hu, you're really smart."

"You're not stupid either."

So, Hu Jiangshan and Feng Hua didn't follow the main group. Instead, they found a relatively secluded table, put their bags on it, and went to get their own food.

This hotel offers a buffet style of dining, with a good variety of dishes, including most mainstream options, so you don't have to worry about not being able to enjoy the food.

Hu Jiangshan was also hungry, so he picked up a lot of food from his plate and came back.

Feng Hua hadn't returned yet, and Hu Jiangshan was already hungry, so he started eating by himself.

Before they could even take a few bites, someone approached. It was Yao Hong, the beautiful woman who worked for the Hong Kong government. She had spoken with Hu Jiangshan earlier at the entrance of the VIP lounge at Hong Kong Island International Airport.

Yao Hong was clearly there for Hu Jiangshan.

Yao Hong said, "Mr. Hu, could you come over here for a moment?"

"……I?"

"Yes, it's you."

"have a meal together?"

"No, no, Minister Fang sent me to find you."

Hu Jiangshan then understood, and had no choice but to put down his cutlery and follow Yao Hong to the other side.

Hu Jiangshan sighed inwardly; he just wanted to eat in peace, his stomach was growling with hunger.

Soon, Hu Jiangshan saw a lot of people standing in front of him. They were all dressed in suits and ties, looking very respectable, and chatting and exchanging drinks.

They all look like big shots, or at least senior executives of large companies.

Hu Jiangshan spotted Du Jiapeng and Wang Lulu at a glance.

Hezhong Group is a large corporation, and even senior executives are entitled to sit at the table.

Unexpectedly, someone soon brought Feng Hua over as well.

Hu Jiangshan and Feng Hua exchanged a glance and gave each other a wry smile. Sure enough, there was no way to avoid being idle in this kind of situation.

At this moment, the speaker was a man named Lu Xingwen.

Lu Xingwen is a local entrepreneur in Singapore, but he actually came from mainland China.

Lu Xingwen made a lot of money in the real estate industry in mainland China in his early years. Later, he acquired a foreign software company and moved its headquarters to Singapore. Lu Xingwen's whole family also immigrated there.

Lu Xingwen first said a few polite words, and then said, "Welcome everyone to Singapore. However, I have noticed a problem. It seems that the companies in Hong Kong are all related to finance and real estate. Indeed, Hong Kong is a city built on money. Singapore gives people a more idealistic feeling."

As soon as these words came out, everyone looked at each other in shock.

Lu Xingwen meant that Hong Kong reeks of money, and everything is about making money, while Singapore is different, gathering many entrepreneurs who pursue their ideals and is full of vitality.

Fang Chenyang's performance was indeed somewhat awkward, and he was also a little annoyed.

Lu Xingwen's actions were tantamount to publicly humiliating Hong Kong; he showed absolutely no respect for Hong Kong.

Hu Jiangshan wasn't surprised at all that Lu Xingwen said such things, because he had met Lu Xingwen in his previous life. Lu Xingwen was a big talker, mainly because he had become rich too quickly and made money too easily in his early years, which gave him the impression that he was very capable.

In fact, Lu Xingwen has no right to judge others. He himself started in real estate, and only achieved his current success by riding the wave of the times.

At this moment, Liang Gaoyuan noticed that the atmosphere was a bit stiff, so he quickly said, "Everyone here is an outstanding entrepreneur. I hope you have a good time in Singapore."

Liang Gaoyuan is a business specialist in Singapore, an official, and plays the same role as Fang Chenyang. Because Singapore has a large Chinese population, most officials are also Chinese. However, in recent years, due to Singapore's diversification efforts, many officials from other ethnic groups have also appeared in official institutions, especially those of Padang and Malay descent.

Feng Hua suddenly said, "By the way, I've discovered that most of the entrepreneurs in Singapore come from mainland China. It's quite amazing."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes widened as they looked at Feng Hua.

Even Hu Jiangshan was surprised that Feng Hua, who had been keeping a low profile just moments before, suddenly spoke up and made such remarks.

To be honest, such words sound like a provocation to the people of Singapore.

Feng Hua meant that Singapore has no local entrepreneurs; it is mostly made up of wealthy immigrants from mainland China.

Of course, what Feng Hua said is also true. Of the dozen or so entrepreneurs from Singapore present today, at least eleven or twelve are from mainland China.

In recent years, Singapore has become the top choice for wealthy Chinese immigrants. Firstly, it is close to China; secondly, the living environment and diet are similar to those in China; and thirdly, the language is a huge advantage.

Of course, in recent years, Singaporeans have gradually lost their Mandarin, and most of them no longer speak Mandarin, mainly speaking British English.

Then, in another ten years or so, Singapore will regret abandoning Mandarin; but that's another story.

Now that Feng Hua has said this, it's like slapping the people from Singapore in the face, and a very hard slap at that.

This time, the people on Hong Kong Island were secretly pleased, including Fang Chenyang, who felt quite satisfied.

Feng Hua, you're really something!
Liang Gaoyuan coughed awkwardly: "That's right, Singapore is very attractive, which is why these entrepreneurs from mainland China are willing to come and make their contributions. Don't you all agree?"

The big bosses from mainland China present looked embarrassed, but still gave a token response.

At this moment, Lu Xingwen turned to the person next to him and said, "Old Zhang, why don't you say a few words?"

Lao Zhang, also known as Zhang Ying, is the founder of the famous "Hezhonglao" brand. This catering brand has grown very large, with thousands of stores in China, as well as many stores in Southeast Asia, South Korea, and elsewhere.

Zhang Ying has immigrated to Singapore and become the richest man in Singapore, a truly precious person.

Zhang Ying is a relatively low-key person, unlike Lu Xingwen, but since he was asked to say a few words, he couldn't refuse.

Zhang Ying knew what he should say. He needed to refute Feng Hua and let this younger man know that experience matters, and that he should watch his mouth and not spout nonsense here.

Zhang Ying glanced at Feng Hua and said, "We did come from the mainland, but this was to find a good platform. Singapore gave us an opportunity. It's different from Hong Kong. So Hong Kong is still mainly focused on finance and real estate. Although you can still make money there, the development prospects are not so clear."

This put the people on Hong Kong Island in an awkward position, and they almost all immediately lowered their heads.

Fang Chenyang, in particular, showed no reaction on the surface, but inwardly he was seething with hatred.

Zhang Ying really knows how to bring up the most sensitive topics; he knows the situation in Hong Kong but still makes such sarcastic remarks.

Zhang Ying not only criticized Hong Kong Island, but also dissed mainland China.

Those who know this understand; there's no need to elaborate.

Feng Hua was rebuffed but didn't get angry. He said, "Chairman Zhang's words are biased. Our entrepreneurs from Hong Kong are not only in finance and real estate, but also in high technology, and not just ordinary high technology, but the very cutting-edge kind."

The people of Singapore were all taken aback when they heard this.

Lu Xingwen laughed heartily: "Extremely cutting-edge high technology? Young man, your words have successfully piqued my interest. Just what kind of technology is considered cutting-edge?"

Feng Hua smiled slightly.

Hu Jiangshan had a bad feeling. Feng Hua was about to unleash a big move, and it seemed he was going to push Hu Jiangshan out.

Sure enough, Feng Hua said, "Isn't a space launch site considered cutting-edge high technology?"

Lu Xingwen was stunned: "...What? A space launch site? A place to launch satellites into space?"

Feng Hua said, "Yes, is it cutting-edge enough?"

Lu Xingwen laughed heartily: "That's certainly cutting-edge, but Hong Kong Island probably doesn't have a place like that, right? Has anyone here ever heard of Hong Kong Island being able to launch rockets?"

Zhang Ying chimed in, "I've never heard of that. Is this young boss mistaken?"

"No mistake, the handsome guy in front of you is the big boss of the Hong Kong Space Launch Site."

As he spoke, Feng Hua pointed at Hu Jiangshan.

Hu Jiangshan sighed inwardly. How come he hadn't noticed before that Feng Hua liked to engage in such petty squabbles?

Liang Gaoyuan looked at Fang Chenyang with a questioning expression.

Fang Chenyang coughed lightly: "Yes, this Chairman Hu Jiangshan is the boss of Jiangshan Group, and he is operating a space launch site."

As soon as these words were spoken, the effect was immediate.

Not to mention the companies in Singapore, there was also some commotion on Hong Kong Island. After all, not everyone knew that Hu Jiangshan was the owner of the Tenglong Island Space Launch Site, and not everyone knew that the owner of the Tenglong Island Space Launch Site had also come along.

As a result, everyone's attention naturally turned to Hu Jiangshan.

Lu Xingwen frowned and said, "I'm very curious, how did such a young boss manage to set up a space launch site? I don't know anything about aerospace, but I know it's no easy feat, right?"

Now that Hu Jiangshan has been brought out, there's no choice but to accept the challenge, which is also for the sake of Hong Kong entrepreneurs' reputation.

Hu Jiangshan said, "President Lu is right. The technical threshold for space launch sites is very high, and the construction standards for launch sites are very high. The most difficult thing to solve is the professional space launch equipment. So we have put in a lot of effort to do this. Fortunately, our technical personnel are strong enough, and more importantly, the Hong Kong government has given us a lot of support, which has enabled the project to be successfully implemented."

Upon hearing about the “huge support from the Hong Kong government,” Fang Chenyang couldn’t help but smile, clearly having finally regained his composure.

Although Singapore has many technology companies, it's hard to find any that can rival a space launch site.

People in Singapore certainly didn't expect that a space launch site would appear on Hong Kong Island, especially one that was privately operated.

Zhang Xing asked, "Mr. Hu, I wonder if your space launch site has ever been used?"

Hu Jiangshan smiled slightly: "Of course I've used it. We conducted a rocket launch test last year, and we will be carrying out several commercial space launches in the near future. If you have time, you can go and watch it live. I'm sure you won't be disappointed."

Zhang Xing said "Oh," and had to admit that the value of space launches was very high, at least incomparable to catering brands.

(End of this chapter)